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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

I can't believe that December is almost upon us! Christmas is a meagre 28 days away!

Anyways, it's Wednesday today, and that means it's time for the weekly makeup tag! The theme this week was fall or autumn inspired makeup.

I do apologize for the quality of some of the photos; I was really struggling with my camera, it was refusing to cooperate and then the battery died on me, so I had no choice but to use my iPhone for the full face photos.

Face
Youngblood mineral foundation in Toffee
Inglot blush (not sure which number it is as it's in the palette)

Lips
AB lipstick in Micro Galaxy

I was inspired to create an eye look with the colours that come to mind when I think of fall, gold/orange/maroon, and the lipstick is actually quite a dark brown/maroon, but for some reason, it's appearing more red in the photos! The blush was also quite strong but again, not showing up too well in the photos.

I hope you enjoyed that, don't forget to visit out Aqeela's blog to check out what the other participating ladies have come up with!

Much love,
MM.
x

PS - Have you entered my international birthday/blogiversary giveaway? It ends in 3 days so get in quick! You can also tweet once a day for extra entries. Click here to enter!

Monday, November 26, 2012

I was tagged to do this post a little while ago by the beautiful Mandy from Make Me Up Mandy, but I've only just managed to find time to write this now. Mandy is someone I've never met in person, but nevertheless, I consider her a friend; she's such a beauty both inside and out!

Her tag has 14 questions aimed at getting to know the beauty blogger behind each blog. I do love these tags as I enjoy writing and sharing a part of myself with all of you, it's just that time sometimes gets away from me and I end up being very late with some of these! Please don't take it personally if I don't end up doing a post you've tagged me in, chances are I've just run out of time to do it all!

On with the tag questions!

1. How many hours a week do you spend planning/writing/uploading posts?
Here's where I confess I don't actually plan things out. I always have a mental list of posts I'd like to do, but I'm constantly juggling my full time job as an engineer (slightly demanding, I must confess), a social life, household chores (I live alone) and my other interests (walks, 'me' time to do my nails, read, etc). However, I try to do at least 2-3 posts a week, and it often takes me about 5-6 hours per week to write/upload these posts, although I'd say the majority of that is devoted to editing the photos! I probably struggle more with photos (thank goodness for summer and longer daylight hours) than I do with the writing aspect.2. Are you a spender or a saver?
I think I'm a bit of both. I do try to save a bit but I also believe that life is too short and little indulgences make life worth living. I read a quote somewhere once that has stayed with me, "the result of hard work is being able to pay your bills, but the reward of hard work is being able to afford life's little luxuries''.3. When is it easiest for you to write your posts?
At night. I'm a bit of a night owl and I'm always most active and creative at night. It also helps when I'm not completely flat out and juggling various commitments!

4. What makes writing posts comfortable for you?
I'm quite a creative person and I have always found it easier to express myself through the written word than through the spoken word. I'm also a big fan of reading so writing just seems to come quite naturally to me.5. What's your worst make up/hair habit?
I think I've definitely confessed to this before (read about it here) but I definitely don't wash my makeup brushes as often as I should (but hey, any excuse to buy more brushes, right?). As for hair, I don't use a deep conditioning treatment as often as I'd like (or should)!6. What's one quote you wish the world would live by?"Live and let live". Live your life the way you wish to, but always remember that you need to be able to look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day. Also remember that everyone has a right to live their lives the way they wish to, even if you don't necessarily agree with it!

7. How long do you spend getting ready everyday?
Depends on what I'm getting ready for. If I'm getting ready for work, I'm probably done in about 20 -30 minutes. If I'm going with just a statement lip, then maybe 10-15 minutes. However, if I want to do something really special with my eye makeup, it might take a bit longer. And if I'm going out somewhere nice and see that as a chance to do something special with my makeup, I sometimes give myself an hour to get ready (including putting curls in my hair, etc). Sometimes I think the thrill of primping and anticipation of the night ahead can actually surpass the event itself!

8. What's your favourite post on your blog?
Gosh, that's like asking a mother to pick a favourite child! If it's beauty related, I'd choose the eye look I did with red eyeshadow (read it here), as it was my first attempt at trying red shadow, and it can be a hard colour to work with. If it's a personal post, then I'd have to pick the open letter I wrote on turning 30 (read it here), as it truly came from the heart, I didn't even have to think about it before writing it.9. Who is a beauty blogger that you think deserves more subscribers that they have?
This is a tough question as there are so many bloggers I think are absolutely amazing and don't get enough recognition! Off the top of my head, I'm going to pick Ingrid from In Glossy Beauty (because she shares so much of herself and her life in her posts), Amy from Beauty in a Bottle (because she writes excellent reviews and is always showing other bloggers so much love), and Sarah from Breathe Beauty (because she is so sweet and it's quite evident that she puts a lot of thought into her posts). All three beauties write regularly, and it's very clear (to me, anyway) that they blog for the love of blogging and helping others, so do check them out if you haven't already!

10. What's one thing you're excited about in the coming year?
I'm excited about a new year heralding new beginnings. My cousin is expecting a new baby, and I also want to travel more and explore new countries, so while I don't have any specific plans set yet, I look forward to making them. I'm also excited about the blog and what new possibilities lie on the horizon.

11. What's been your favourite blogging moment?
It's really hard to pick one, as I feel like blogging has led to so much personal growth. I feel like I've learnt so much this year, really worked on expressing my creativity, gotten to meet and make many wonderful new friends, shortlisted in the BeautyHeaven Blogstar awards, and been published a couple of times on Primped. I also love getting comments from my readers, and I find it very rewarding when my readers tell me they purchased a product on my recommendation and absolutely loved it!12. How long does it take to prep for a post?
It can take anywhere between 1-3 hours, inclusive of doing the makeup, taking/editing photos and writing it up! I'm also a perfectionist so I always proof-read a few times before publishing.

13. Are you wearing jeans/skirt right now or are you wearing pyjama bottoms?
I'm in shorts, which is going to pass for my pyjamas tonight! It's actually quite warm in Melbourne as I'm writing this.

14. What are you most proud of in your life?
Personally, I'm proud of being a female in a largely male-dominated industry, as it can be a little difficult sometimes. I'm proud that I've been living on my own for the last decade (particularly when you consider how sheltered I was before I decided to move countries to Australia and live on my own without friends/family). There's also a sense of achievement from how often I've had to step outside my comfort zone (beetle crawling up your leg inside your jeans while driving, anyone?) and the emotional growth I've made in the past year, or perhaps it's the last ten years. I'm also very proud of my parents, for having a happy marriage, giving me a loving environment to grow up in (and that remains till present day), instilling great values and providing all the support any child could ask for, for without them, I would not be half the person I am today.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know me, lovelies. I certainly found it quite therapeutic!

I'm not going to tag anyone specifically, but I'd love for anyone reading this to participate! Please leave me your link in a comment so I can come visit and get to know you a little better! If you don't blog, then please feel free to just answer a couple of these questions (or as many as you like) in the comments below! I'd especially love to know what you are most proud of in your life and what you are looking forward to next year!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Happy Sunday! Not. Bah, humbug! to Monday being a few scant hours away! What has everyone been up to this weekend? I've been rather busy (and I will be uploading a post shortly to show you all exactly what I've been busy doing)!

Anyhow, welcome to the November Lust Have It review! I received it a few days ago and thought I'd share my photos and thoughts on this month's box (or should that be bag? Let's stick with box as it befits the beauty box theme a bit better). I have to confess that I slacked off missed doing last month's LHI review, partly due to the fact that I found the box a little disappointing (and so, wasn't in a hurry to share my thoughts) and also, as we received it a bit late in the month, it got lost amongst all the birthday chaos.

(Taken from the LHI newsletter)

Here is a quick mini-review of what I received in the October LHI box. I found it a little disappointing as we were only given one wax strip, which wasn't really enough to give the product a proper trial. I also wasn't particularly impressed with the tiny Montaser eye cream sample that we received. The body lotion was fine but it does seem like we have had quite a few to get through from previous months, so it wasn't especially exciting. I did like the perfume, which was packaged in a cute little bottle, but the confetti rose soap left me a little underwhelmed, largely because I had received it in a previous beauty box and also because I don't think it's particularly useful. I don't have a tub, and I prefer not to use it as hand soap as it means you'd have to peel off a petal prior to washing your hands (and that's not always feasible).

This month's box is off to a great start as we received it mid-month, which gives me a little more time to review it!

November's LHI items were packaged in a purple bag similar to one that I previously received in June, with a note on the card stating that this is the last pop-colour makeup bag we'd be receiving, as LHI are introducing a new collectible packaging as of next month. I have to say I found it quite curious that everyone received different coloured bags this month, perhaps because they were trying to use up their remaining bags before bringing in the new packaging!

On to the items, LHI have previously split their boxes up into three different categories, Bold & Beautiful, Fun & Flirty and Luxe & Luscious, however, this month's box does not seem to have been categorised in any way. Here's what I received in my box:

ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Mascara - full sized
This product is brand new and hasn't hit the shelves yet, which is quite exciting. It's always nice to try something before the general public gets access to it, and is one of the reasons that drew me to sign up to beauty boxes in the first place! I'm quite keen to try this as it promises a 'false lash' effect and I'm always interested in products that promise to work wonders on my lashes. I also like that it has a mirror on the back as it's perfect for touching up on the go.

Evodia Roll-on Fragrance - full sized
I was lucky enough to receive this in mango and pink grapefruit, which are scents that I love. I'm a big fan of Evodia (they also have amazing body lotions and hand creams) so I was keen to try this. I find the scent very mild, sweet and fresh. Personally, it's more what I would wear after leaving the gym (if I did go to the gym, that is) than on a night out, but all in all, quite happy to have received this.

GKMBJ One Minute Treatment - sample
I've actually never heard of this brand, but I'm a big fan of time-saving products and a mask that promises to work in a minute gets a big thumbs up from me! I will report back once I've had a chance to trial it out properly.

Aviva Inspires Skin Glow Light Tan Extender - sample
Well. I obviously have no use for this product so I will be passing it on to someone who does. Does anyone here want it? Happy to give it away if you are happy to pay for postage!

Star & Rose Hologram Tweezer - full sized
This looks like a great pair of tweezers and the pattern is just too cute. I think a good pair of slant tweezers always comes in handy (I have a pair at home and I also carry a mini one in my handbag, perfect for plucking out stray hairs or if you happen to get a splinter), so I just might leave this as my spare pair at work.

There was also a voucher for a 'buy one, get one free' product from Evodia, which is a great way to try more products from the brand.

Click to view pricing.

What's interesting is the LHI newsletter states that all VIPs (categorised as annual subscribers or monthly subscribers who have been with LHI continuously for over 12 months, which latter category I fall into) were supposed to receive a second, 'buy one and get one free' voucher for the new 'Liberal Arts' movie, and my voucher was missing from my box! The only reason I didn't follow up with LHI is I'm actually going on holiday in three weeks, so I doubt I'll have much time to watch the movie anyway, but it's a little odd to have it missing.

Verdict? I did like this box, think it's great value and will definitely be getting some use out of most of the items. It is a little annoying to be receiving samples that don't suit you at all (like blonde/highlighting products when you are a brunette or tanning products when you clearly have no need for it), but I can understand how tough it must be to work out the logistics, so I'm always happy to pass items on to someone who can use them. I also think this month's box is a vast improvement over last month's, but I do wish there was a little more consistency between the items in each box. I know that two of my favourite bloggers, Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty and Kat from Kitsch Snitch both received different coloured bags and different items from what I received!

The variation in the boxes is something that got a lot of Glossybox subscribers up in arms, so I do hope that LHI will make more of an effort to keep the boxes consistent in future months. I have seen that some subscribers appear to be receiving items that were in previous boxes, and I can understand the frustration!

What did you think of this month's box, lovelies? If you're a subscriber, what did you receive, and are you content with it?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I have a gorgeous flake topcoat to show you today, and that's the gorgeous Nfu-Oh polish 51. I'd been lusting after the Nfu.Oh range for some time now but wasn't aware that you could actually purchase them in Australia!

Nfu.Oh 51 is a polish containing rainbow flakies in a suspended sheer base. As a result, it works best layered over deep colours like black, burgundy, blue, etc. There's an array of colours in there, which makes it hard to pin down, I can see blue, green, pink, red and purple...to start with!

I actually have a Zoya polish called Valerie that really reminds me of this flake topcoat, so I decided to use it as my base and layer 51 over it. The photos below are taken in natural light with two coats of 51 applied over two coats of Valerie, and sealed with Poshe topcoat.

Bear with me, this is going to be quite photo-heavy as I attempt to do justice to all those gorgeous flakie holos!

Nfu-Oh 51. How gorgeous is the bottle?
The cap reminds me of a corset top.

Zoya Valerie on theright and Nfu.Oh 51 on the left.

Observe the greenish tinge with certain angles.

All I can say, is I'm in love, this has got to be one of the most beautiful polishes I own! There are actually lots of flakies in the topcoat and it's a dream to apply, and remove. The Nfu-Oh range is available from Crush Cosmetics, for $13.95.

What do you think lovelies, do you like the look of this flakie topcoat?

Much love,
MM.
x

Note: This product was kindly provided for my consideration. This has not affected my opinion in any way. For more information, please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

3) Eye Inspire Catwalk Quad.
I also own one of these eyeshadow quads in Fire Eyes, and it is an amazing product (review to come soon). The shades are pigmented, smooth and 'buttery', making it a cinch to apply!

They also have an amazing collection of blushes and lip/cheek tints, as well as nail polishes, although I haven't tried these yet myself. Next on my wishlist is a Dew Pot (cream shadow), Arch Angel (eyebrow grooming) and the Goddess Rocks bronzer!

If you're new to the brand and would like a place to start, why not look at one of their collection gift packs? I placed an order today for the Bestseller Collection in Coral, containing a coral blush, lipgloss and nail polish. It usually retails for approximately $40, but is available for about $31 (inclusive of shipping) with the discount code. Can't wait until it gets here!

Don't forget that the Me,Me,Me sale ends at 5pm on the 21st of November, and you need to enter code FRENZY40!

If you'd like to know more about the brand, two of my favourite beauty bloggers have also recently reviewed products from this range. Check out Amy from Beauty in a Bottle and Mandy from Make Me Up Mandy's posts on their favourite products in the range.

One last tip, Priceline is offering a great sale on their online store, which goes until 12 midnight on the 22nd of November. I'd recommend checking it out as there are some great bargains to be had, you just have to be a little patient as the site is taking a little while to load. Might I add that this includes the newly launched Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stains? A fantastic product (I own three) which I have also yet to review, but take my word for it, it's well worth the hype!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Happy hump day! Which not only means that the weekend is two days away, but also, that it's time for the weekly makeup tag!

I'm back with a Hollywood Glamour inspired look as part of the weekly makeup tag over at Aqeela's blog. If you're new to my blog (welcome! I hope you'll stay a while and keep coming back!), a few of us get together every week and come up with looks to match a specific theme.

This week's theme is 'Hollywood Glamour'and the first thing that came to mind was red lips, glamorous waves/curls and black liner. So I went crazy with my straightening iron, kept my eye makeup looking subtle with a couple of different shadows I blended together, and went for a pinkish red lipstick. I also added a pair of blingy earrings to go with the theme. I probably should have added false lashes but I got lazy, sorry. :P

Unfortunately, I had a bit of trouble getting decent photos of the look, so I had to experiment both with flash and without flash. The colour is a bit more accurate with flash but I do hate the glare you get on your skin. Here's what I came up with!

Without flash.

Without flash.

With flash.

With flash.

Close up of the eyes.

With flash.

I also thought I'd try a sideways do, it was very easy to do and I think curls look fantastic with anything!

Last but not least, a black and white photo, because you can't have Hollywood Glamour without black and white!

I hope you enjoyed that, lovelies! Don't forget to hop on over to Aqeela's blog to see what the other gorgeous ladies came up with!

I must say it has been a very busy week for me, what with the birthday on the weekend, and then I went to the Coldplay concert yesterday! It was absolutely fantastic and I loved it! It was such a fiesta of extravagance, and I just might do a quick post on it because it was too wonderful a concert not to post photos!

I haven't forgotten the post I promised on my birthday makeup/outfit, I'm just waiting for my friends to send me some photographs from the night.

Have a fantastic week, lovelies!

Much love,
MM.
x

PS - Have you entered my international birthday/blogiversary giveaway? Don't forget you can tweet daily for more chances to win!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thank you all for your lovely messages and comments on my last post, the open letter to myself. I had a wonderful birthday weekend and am slowly responding to all messages and comments, so please bear with me. I will have a post up soon on my birthday and what I got up to, I just need a little time to get the photos together!

In the meantime, I leave you with some link love.

If you haven't already, then do check out my post on my top ten eye makeup tips and tricks, which was written for Primped. Click here to be taken directly to the article.

Also, my nail art tutorial for Mez (we did a blog swap and her post is located here) is live on her blog, so do hop on over to have a look (click here)! I did a tutorial on the simple method I used to create the manicure below.

Have a wonderful weekend (what's left of it) and a fantastic week ahead!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

It's my birthday today! I've decided to take a break from beauty blogging and share a wellbeing post instead; a letter to myself and anyone who chooses to read it.

Dear self, Happy 30th birthday! Today marks thirty years of living, and while it may be sad to part with your twenties, it's exciting to think of all the new possibilities the new decade brings. While it's true you're sacrificing a little youth, you're gaining in wisdom, experience and maturity (hopefully, anyway). You may not be where you'd intended, but life is all about the journey, not the destination, so be flexible and allow yourself some leeway.Here are several things you learned along the way, it might be best to keep them handy for when the going gets rough.

It's normal to miss someone even when you no longer want them in your life. Missing someone acknowledges the richness they brought into your life, but people enter your life for a reason, and when that reason is over, it's best to let them go and move on (even if it hurts).

You will NEVER be able to please everyone. It's easier to be true to yourself as you are the only person who'll ever have your own best interests at heart.

It's been a year where you cut ties with many people, for many reasons. While it seems lonely at times, it's wiser to sever ties with those who drain you emotionally/mentally, and be at peace with yourself and the world. Friendship should be easy, not something to struggle with.

It's okay to feel a little flat sometimes. Always remember that tomorrow is a new day which brings new possibilities, and leave your sadness behind and start afresh.

There'll always be people who put you down to feel better about themselves, but it's far more satisfying to take the high road and know that you are the better person for it.

It's also okay to occasionally doubt yourself, self-reflection is a good way of reassessing your goals and there's a very fine line between confidence and arrogance.

It sometimes seems like life isn't progressing as you'd like, but considering yourself a failure belittles the successes you've had, without which, you wouldn't be who you are.

Remember that the biggest satisfaction comes from doing things because you wanted to, not because you were expected to or because you felt you should.

Comparing yourself to others might be impossible to avoid, but remember that everyone has their own journey and trials, and dawn always comes, no matter how dark the night seems (in other words, all things eventually come to an end).

Above all, always try to be the best person you can be, for you need to be able to face yourself in the mirror and be at peace with who you are.

Here's to an amazing decade ahead, and may it surpass all expectations~!

Friday, November 9, 2012

I have big news to share! It's my birthday this week and so, I'm throwing a giveaway to celebrate! It's actually a joint Blogiversary (Blog Anniversary) giveaway as well, as I have officially been blogging for a year now! I just wanted to thank you all so much, my dear readers, for all your support thus far, and I do hope you will stick around for the years to come.

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY! The only thing to note is I will have to substitute the nail polishes with something else, at my discretion, if the winner is internationally based, due to shipping regulations.

On to the good stuff!

I have put together a prize pack containing many of my favourite Australian and international brands, so that the winner might get a chance to try something they haven't tried before.

I tried to put an even balance of nudes and colours in there, so you should have everything for a statement eye or lip look. This competition is open for three weeks, to the date shown. Please make sure you are a follower as I would hate to disqualify the winner!

This giveaway is now CLOSED. A big thank you to all who entered and I have taken all your suggestions on board!A BIG congratulations to Michaela T who won this giveaway! I will be sending your prize out to you by the end of the week!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

What did everyone get up to over the long weekend/Cup Day? I had Monday off so I just took it easy over the four days, and even gave myself a bit of a blog break! It was so lovely having four days off from work! Did anyone back a winning horse in the Melbourne Cup? Sadly, I didn't have much luck with my bet, which only confirms how terrible I am at gambling! I think I'd best stick to blogging!

I have two gorgeous shades from the OPI Skyfall Collection (also known as the 007 collection) to share with you today, called Live and Let Die and Goldeneye. I previously showed you the 18K gold topcoat called The Man With The Golden Gun, which is also part of this collection.

Live and Let Die is a gorgeous, deep forest green polish with gold and green microshimmer through it. The formula is pretty fantastic, you could probably get away with one coat but I applied two coats purely out of habit! It's actually a really unique polish as you can see a green-gold cast to it in the bottle. It's not as evident on the nails but it's definitely got something unique to it; I actually got lots of compliments wearing this polish. Live and Let Die actually makes me almost regret that we're in spring, as the deep, sexy colour is perfect for fall/autumn as the temperature drops!

Live and Let Die is also a wonderful shade to wear with the 18K gold topcoat (reviewed here), as the deep green is the perfect backdrop for the gold flake topcoat!

Goldeneye on the other hand, is rather a strange polish to try and describe. It's made of tiny, yellow-gold microglitter/flakes, and reminds me of the gold version of OPI Spark de Triomphe (reviewed here), in that it's actually really sheer but completely buildable. One coat of Goldeneye leaves you with highly visible gaps in the polish, two coats evens it up somewhat (but still gives you visible nail layer) and three coats gives you perfectly opaque coverage. What's unique about this shade is it's not just your basic yellow-gold, but it actually reflects back as bronze in some lighting. It's also got a foil-like effect to it, I've been fairly mesmerised by my nails while wearing it, it looks rather like I've dipped my fingers in liquid gold!

Overall, both these shades are completely gorgeous and really unique. I must admit I have my eyes set on at least a couple more of these shades, particularly The World Is Not Enough and On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

What do you think of this collection so far, lovelies? Do you own any of these shades? If not, will you be buying some?

The Made Up Maiden is a Melbourne based beauty blog written by Nalini, a young professional with a great love for all beauty products (but is especially fixated on makeup, nail polish and fragrances).
Working in a male dominated industry by day, she moonlights as a beauty blogger by night, and is always on the lookout for new products to fall in love with! She loves exercising her creative side by showcasing various makeup and nail art looks on the blog.